G.R.O.W.T.H. Lab

Dr. Laura Reid Marks will be accepting DIS applications for undergraduate research assistants (RAs) for the upcoming Fall 2026/Spring 2027 semesters.

The G.R.O.W.T.H. Lab is housed in the FSU College of Medicine in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine. Research in the lab uses both quantitative and qualitative approaches with a focus on health behaviors and the factors that drive career and health disparities among emerging adults. Current projects include investigating digital health interventions to reduce risky health behaviors, such as alcohol use, across emerging adult populations. This is an especially relevant opportunity for sophomore and junior students seeking to round out their research skills and gain mentorship prior to applying to graduate school in counseling psychology, public health, and related health professions. Learn more about the lab mission and team by visiting our website at ctbs.fsu.edu/programs/growth-lab.

• Conduct literature reviews and organize/format research articles in APA style (7th edition)
• Preparation of IRB study materials including recruitment flyers and informed consent protocols
• Transcribe qualitative interview data and conduct follow-up interviews with participants
• Assist with beta testing of study components, such as mobile health applications
• Support study outreach and recruitment (e.g., tabling on campus and at community events)

• Hands-on experience with translational research in behavioral science, including transcription and coding of qualitative data, participant management, and cleaning data
• Develop research skills in presenting and scientific writing, including presenting at conferences/lab meetings
• Mentorship and professional development, including guidance on graduate school preparation and career trajectories in health service psychology

• Minimum overall GPA of 3.2.
• Must have completed Research Methods course or have two semesters of prior research experience. Experience with statistics (e.g., coursework/experience) or survey software (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics) preferred.
• Ability to commit to a minimum of two semesters.
• Ability to register for 2 credit hours (6 hours commitment/week) or 3 credit hours (9 hours commitment/week); DIS may be registered with either PSY or BSC course code.
• Availability to attend lab and project meetings is mandatory. RAs must be available to travel on-site to the Research Building, which is a 10-minute drive southwest of main campus (2010 Levy Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32310).
• A genuine interest in reducing health disparities; applicants should speak to this in their application materials.

Interested applicants should email Dr. Marks’ graduate research assistant, Jacob Perez, at growth-lab@med.fsu.edu with the subject line “Interest in G.R.O.W.T.H. DIS” and attach 1.) a current resume, 2.) their weekly fall availability, and 3.) a brief statement of interest (no more than one page) addressing interest and motivations for joining the lab, and a commitment to reducing health disparities.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION MATERIALS: MAY 31, 2026 AT 11:59 PM EST.

Students will be notified if they have been invited to an interview by June 14^th, 2026.